Pancarpal Arthrodesis in the Dog: A Review of Forty‐five Cases

Abstract

This report describes an open surgical technique for pancarpal arthrodesis and its efficacy in 45 canine cases. Indications for carpal arthrodesis include hyperextension injuries, severe fracture/luxations, end‐stage arthritis, and selected neurologic deficits. Chronic joint instability was the major indication for surgery (76%). Degenerative joint disease (18%) and neurologic deficits (6%) accounted for the other cases. In a subjective owner survey, 97% of the owners reported that their animals' gait improved following arthrodesis, and 74% stated that their animals walked and ran normally.

Clinical Comparison of the Hybrid Dynamic Compression Plate and the Castless Plate for Pancarpal Arthrodesis in 219 Dogs

“…Pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) in dogs and cats is used as a salvage procedure for treatment of end‐stage carpal conditions such as hyperextension, degenerative joint disease, congenital malformations and fractures, and luxations where conservative management has failed or is inappropriate. Surgical techniques used to achieve carpal arthrodesis include application of a plate to the dorsal, medial or palmar surfaces, or external skeletal fixation, with or without crossed K‐wires …”

Determination of mechanical properties of canine carpal ligaments

“…1 In dogs with osteosarcoma of the distal portion of the radius, limb-sparing surgery has been successfully performed by means of primary tumor resection and placement of an allograft or metal Procedures-6 ligaments (medial collateral, lateral collateral, palmar ulnocarpal, palmar radiocarpal, accessorometacarpal-V, and accessorometacarpal-IV) were evaluated. These include ligamentous injury, fracture, luxation, osteoarthritis, and primary bone neoplasia.…”

Prospective evaluation of pancarpal arthrodesis for carpal injuries in working dogs in New Zealand, using dorsal hybrid plating

“…Articular cartilage is debrided from the joints, and an autogenous cancellous bone graft is packed into the joint spaces prior to closure of the surgical site. The clinical ability of dogs to return to normal activity has been reported to be >70%, although no specifi c distinction of working dogs was made in those studies (Parker et al 1981;Denny and Barr 1991;Maarschalkerweerd et al 1996).…”